Native Animal Exhibit

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center cares for a broad collection of nearly 40 animals. They are our Animal Ambassadors. All are native to east Tennessee.

Whether they are endangered and threatened species, or a species in need of management, the animals live in our Native Animal Exhibit or our Snake Tale Alley because they have been affected by humans in such a way that they can’t survive on their own in the wild.

They may have suffered an injury.

They may have been kept illegally a pet.

They are part of a species survival plan: Reflection Riding is one of 42 facilities in the world that house the 8th most endangered mammal in the world—the Red Wolf. Learn more about our Red Wolves!

We use many of these Animal Ambassadors in our educational programs. They help thousands of school-age children and adults learn more about each species, their habitats, and how we humans can help them.

Some of our animals are off-exhibit and you can only see them in the classroom. When you visit, if you do not see the animal you hoped to see, ask at the Visitor Center to find a member of the wildlife staff and we will try to satisfy your curiosity.